The South African Police Service (SAPS) invites young, energetic, physically and mentally fit South Africans to apply for the Police Trainee Recruitment Programme 2027.
Police Trainee Application Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Police Trainee Location: Various locations across South Africa
Post Title: Police Trainee
Reference Number: TRA26/27
Remuneration During Training: R5 000 per month
About the SAPS Police Trainee Programme
The South African Police Service is recruiting entry-level Police Trainees from all races and genders who are interested in pursuing careers in policing.
Successful applicants will undergo training as determined by the National Commissioner and must be prepared to serve anywhere in South Africa.
The appointment is made in terms of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995).
Main Responsibilities
After training and appointment, police officials may be responsible for:
- Preventing crime.
- Combating crime.
- Investigating crime.
- Maintaining public order.
- Protecting and securing people living in South Africa.
- Protecting property.
- Upholding the law.
- Enforcing the law.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of the Republic of South Africa.
- Be able to provide documentary proof of citizenship.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Not be older than 35 years on the closing date.
- Have Grade 12 / Matric or an equivalent qualification.
- Be proficient in English and at least one other official South African language.
- Be prepared to take the oath of office.
- Be prepared to undergo SAPS training where and when determined by the National Commissioner.
- Not have visible tattoos when wearing an SAPS uniform.
- Not have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
- Have no previous criminal convictions.
- Have no pending criminal cases.
- Be prepared to serve anywhere in South Africa.
Background, Medical and Fitness Requirements
Applicants must consent to:
- Fingerprint verification.
- Buccal sample collection.
- Criminal-record checks.
- Background enquiries.
- Security vetting.
- Physical examination.
- Medical examination.
- Psychological assessment.
- Integrity assessment.
Applicants must be found physically, medically and mentally fit for appointment in the South African Police Service.
Previous Employment Conduct
Applicants must not have been dismissed from previous employment for serious misconduct relating to:
- Dishonesty.
- Violence.
- Sexual harassment.
- Drug-related misconduct.
Applicants Who May Receive Preference
Preference may be given to applicants who have a valid driver’s licence for at least a light motor vehicle.
Preference may also apply to applicants with:
- Relevant three-year tertiary qualifications at NQF Level 6 or higher.
- Criminal Law qualifications.
- Policing qualifications.
- Forensic Investigation qualifications.
- Other relevant three-year tertiary qualifications at NQF Level 6 or higher.
- Grade 12 with the minimum requirements for admission to a Bachelor’s Degree.
A tertiary qualification is therefore advantageous, but Grade 12 remains the stated minimum educational requirement.
Remuneration During Training
Police Trainees will receive:
R5 000 per month during training
Applicants should note that this is the advertised remuneration applicable during the training period.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the SAPS e-Recruitment platform.
Click here to apply for SAPS Police Trainees 2027
Applicants should note that the SAPS recruitment website may experience high traffic. Candidates should therefore avoid waiting until the closing date to submit their applications.
Important Application Rules
Applicants should take note of the following:
- Only one application may be submitted.
- The recruitment system is restricted to one application per applicant.
- Participation in the selection process does not guarantee appointment.
- SAPS is under no obligation to appoint every person who applies.
- Applicants must not pay anyone to participate in the SAPS recruitment process.
- SAPS recruitment is not for sale.
Selection and Feedback
Correspondence will generally be conducted with successful applicants.
If an applicant has not been contacted within three months after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
Applicants should also understand that only a limited number of Police Trainee positions are available.
Closing Date
13 November 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid possible delays caused by heavy traffic on the SAPS recruitment system.